Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that includes hypertriglyceridemia. Although low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the critical therapeutic target in patients with coronary artery disease, LDL cannot be calculated in those with excessive hypertriglyceridemia. Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) does not require LDL for calculation and may be an alternative therapeutic target in MS. The purpose of this study was to determine non-HDL cholesterol in relation to other lipid components and comorbidities in MS patients.

A cross-sectional chart review on 928 public hospital patients was performed.

Metabolic syndrome was present in 53% of all patients. Among those with MS, 87% had triglyceride level of greater than 150 mg/dL, 85% had low HDL, 71% had LDL of greater than 100 mg/dL, and 74% had non-HDL of greater than 130 mg/dL. The level of non-HDL cholesterol, but not total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and less at goal (P < 0.0001) in patients with MS. Diagnoses of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were significantly more prevalent in MS patients (P < 0.0001).

Compared with those without MS, non-HDL level was significantly higher and undertargeted in patients with MS, in parallel with significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities.